Kostas Tsimikas has revealed there is a “temptation” to play more regularly, which would invariably involve leaving Liverpool this summer, but suggested in a recent interview that he is happy with a back-up role at Anfield.
The left-back position has come under real scrutiny in recent weeks with Milos Kerkez’s imminent arrival at Liverpool. The Bournemouth defender’s family has even publicly admitted that a transfer is close.
It means Tsimikas could find himself as third-choice left-back, which has resulted in links of a possible move to Nottingham Forest or Leeds United. But Atletico Madrid’s reported interest in Andy Robertson could result in the Scotland captain moving on instead.
That might see Tsimikas remain at Liverpool beyond the summer and provide backup for Kerkez.
Liverpool’s no.21 discussed his current situation in a wide-ranging interview with Greek outlet Sport 24, in which Tsimikas revealed he is accepting of the game time he has been afforded in the five years since joining Liverpool.
“It's definitely a temptation to play more,” said the 29-year-old. “I'm happy here, for five years I've always been happy with these players I had by my side and with the jersey I wore.
“But for me the 27-29 games I play every year in all competitions are more than playing 40 for another team and in another league. Here I am on the Broadway of football.
Kostas Tsimikas of Liverpool celebrates the team's victory and confirmation of winning the Premier League title after the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield on April 27, 2025 in Liverpool, England.
Kostas Tsimikas earned a first Premier League winner's medal this season. (Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
“It's very difficult to reach such a level, to play in 27 games in a season with a Liverpool shirt. If you think about it, not all players play 50 games; some play 50, others 10, others play five.
“I think 27 games I played on average over the last four years is a good number.
“I would definitely like to play more, but from then on in this league, with this team, I was always happy and I always gave my best. So I was ok with the games I played.”
LEIPZIG, GERMANY - OCTOBER 23: Kostas Tsimikas of Liverpool FC looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between RB Leipzig and Liverpool FC at Leipzig Stadium on October 23, 2024 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Luciano Lima/Getty Images)
Tsimikas started 18 games this season for Liverpool. (Image: Getty Images)
Tsimikas joined Liverpool from Greek side Olympiacos in 2020 and has played 115 games. Despite his backup role, the defender made 29 appearances in 2024/25.
He started 18 matches, half of which came in the Premier League, while Tsimikas started in five of the Reds’ eight Champions League matches in the league phase.
“If I go back five years, that's why I came to such a team, to such a championship, to win something that no one had done before,” Tsimikas explained.
“I am very happy because the Premier League was one of the main goals I had, along with the Champions League, from the first day I was here.
“I can't describe how I feel. I think about all the hard work I put in on the field, the games I played. All this time I've been in Liverpool has made me a man.”